Are Demographic Characteristics Able to Predict Risky Behaviors of Pedestrians?

Background: Despite the considerable health benefits of walking on human health, pedestrian traffic accidents seriously threaten people’s safety. Specifically, the risky behaviors of pedestrians may lead to dangerous situations while crossing the road. Few studies have examined the relationship between high-risk pedestrian behaviors and some of their characteristics. The present study aimed to investigate the risky behaviors of pedestrians and their relationship to some demographic variables while crossing the street. Methods: This descriptive-analytical study was conducted among 700 pedestrians over 18 years old. Data were collected using the Pedestrian Violations Questionnaire (PVQ). Convenience sampling was done in areas with different socioeconomic levels. The data were analyzed by the SPSS version 16 using an independent t-test, one-way ANOVA, chi-square, and Fisher exact tests at a significance level of 0.05. Results: The results indicated a significant relationship between risky pedestrian behaviors and demographic variables, including age, marital status, and education. However, there was no statistically significant difference between the risky behaviors of females and males and their involvement in accidents. Conclusion: Pedestrian risky behaviors seem to be strongly correlated with age. Education can also be a predictor of risky behaviors.